### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâkal**, represented by `{{H5528}}`, means to be silly or to act foolishly. Its base definition is "to be silly; do (make, play the, turn into) fool(-ish, -ishly, -ishness)." It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, often in contexts of grave error and disobedience rather than simple-mindedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5528}}` is frequently used to describe a serious moral or spiritual failure. King Saul is told, "Thou hast done foolishly" after he failed to keep the commandment of the Lord, an act that cost him his kingdom [[1 Samuel 13:13]]. Later, Saul himself admits, "I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly" [[1 Samuel 26:21]]. King David also uses the term in a confession of sin after numbering the people, praying, "take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly" ([[2 Samuel 24:10]]; [[1 Chronicles 21:8]]). The term is also used to describe God's power to subvert human plans, as when David prays that God would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" [[2 Samuel 15:31]] or when God "maketh their knowledge foolish" [[Isaiah 44:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of acting foolishly by showing what it is connected to or contrasted with:
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): This word, meaning "to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin," is directly linked to foolishness in confessions. Both Saul and David pair their admission of foolishness with the statement "I have sinned" ([[1 Samuel 26:21]], [[2 Samuel 24:10]]).
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to keep/guard): Defined as "to hedge about... i.e. guard," this word highlights that foolishness can be a failure of obedience. Saul's foolish act was precisely that he did "not kept `{{H8104}}` the commandment" of God [[1 Samuel 13:13]].
* `{{H7686}}` **shâgâh** (to err/stray): This term means "to stray... to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress." Saul uses it in the same breath as `{{H5528}}`, admitting, "I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly" [[1 Samuel 26:21]], showing the two concepts are intertwined.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5528}}` is demonstrated in its direct connection to sin and disobedience against God.
* **Foolishness as Disobedience:** The term is not used for a lack of intellect, but for a willful violation of divine will. Saul's primary example of foolishness is his failure to obey a direct commandment `{{H4687}}` from God, with immediate and permanent consequences for his kingship [[1 Samuel 13:13]].
* **A Transgression Requiring Atonement:** Actions described as foolish are treated as serious sins that require forgiveness. David acknowledges his foolish act has resulted in iniquity `{{H5771}}` and begs God to take it away [[2 Samuel 24:10]].
* **Divine Power over Human Counsel:** The concept is used to affirm God's sovereignty. God can render the counsel `{{H6098}}` of the wise into foolishness, demonstrating that human wisdom and knowledge `{{H1847}}` are ultimately subject to His power ([[2 Samuel 15:31]], [[Isaiah 44:25]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5528}}` represents far more than simple silliness. It is a term for significant moral and spiritual failure, often synonymous with sin `{{H2398}}`, error `{{H7686}}`, and disobedience to God's commands. Its use in the accounts of kings like Saul and David illustrates the severe consequences of such actions. Ultimately, **çâkal** serves to contrast the fallibility of human deeds with the absolute sovereignty of God, who judges foolish acts and can turn even the wisest human plans into foolishness.
TRV